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Written by Sarah Israel
Is entrepreneurship a learnable skill, or are some people just born with the entrepreneurial spark? According to Connor Loughlean, Manager of Programs and Operations at Brilliant Catalyst, it seems to be a little of column A, a little of column B. “Some people who come to us have the entrepreneurial drive, but they don’t have a clear business idea. Others have a great business idea, but they don’t have all the skills and resources to make it happen. That’s where Brilliant Catalyst comes in.”
Brilliant Catalyst is Ontario Tech University's start-up incubator and experiential learning hub. Founded in 2014, Brilliant Catalyst is the natural extension of Ontario Tech’s mission to equip future leaders to solve complex problems. Ontario Tech students, alumni, and faculty can access a wealth of entrepreneurship knowledge, training, and the tools needed to become Canada’s next generation of forward-thinkers.
Building a Diverse Entrepreneurial Community
Located within the Energy Research Centre on Ontario Tech’s campus in North Oshawa, Brilliant Catalyst has grown exponentially in the past 11 years. Originally founded by a small team under the name “Brilliant Entrepreneurship,” the centre rebranded to Brilliant Catalyst in 2018 to reflect a broader mandate and reach a wider audience. Today, Brilliant Catalyst has a strong staff contingent and supports hundreds of participants as they learn new skills and develop innovative ideas to solve real-world challenges.
Brilliant Catalyst is part of the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, which supports an interdisciplinary approach to designing solutions. As a result, Brilliant Catalyst attracts students from across disciplines, including Business and Information Technology, Engineering and Applied Science, and Social Science and Humanities. Participants bring a unique blend of knowledge and perspectives, resulting in a well-rounded approach to problem-solving.
Supporting a Range of Entrepreneurial Goals
Brilliant Catalyst delivers three main programs:
- Brilliant Incubator: targets current students, alumni, and faculty interested in entrepreneurship and building businesses;
- Experience Ventures: a program designed for student intrapreneurs; and,
- Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program: which supports international entrepreneurs looking to immigrate to Canada and establish an innovative business.
Brilliant Incubator
Brilliant Catalyst’s largest program is Brilliant Incubator. This program is billed as a launching pad for students and alumni looking to transform their ideas into fully-fledged businesses.
Participants can validate their ideas, develop a business strategy, and access practical knowledge, mentorship, and funding opportunities to bring their idea to market.
Student entrepreneurs with a business idea can apply for an 8-week Intensive Business Incubator program that takes place in the spring and early summer. Ideas are not limited to any industry or type of business (e.g. for-profit or non-profit), though Loughlean notes that successful business ventures tend to feature a technology-assisted component, rather than a sole focus on physical products.
Students who have a business idea mid-year don’t need to wait until the spring: the Asynchronous Business Incubator is available year-round as a series of self-paced modules and in-person support from the Brilliant Catalyst team.
At the end of the program, participants have an opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges for access to funding from the Firefly Entrepreneurship Fund, which has awarded over $500,000 to date. Brilliant Incubator programs are offered at no cost to founders.
Experience Ventures
The Experience Ventures program allows students to develop the crucial entrepreneurial mindset needed to enter their chosen field after graduation. Powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary, the program connects students with companies looking for student talent to join their project team.
Experience Ventures targets intrapreneurs, meaning students who are interested in innovation and development from within the framework of an existing company, rather than launching their own venture. Intrapreneurs rely on many of the same skills as entrepreneurs, and the best way to develop those skills is to practice them in the real world.
Companies submit their ongoing projects and get matched with motivated students who bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches to contribute to their progress. Students can develop a range of skills, gain hands-on experience, and make valuable connections with business leaders. The program is offered at no cost to companies, and students receive an honorarium from Brilliant Catalyst when they complete the program.
Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program
Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is unique in its mandate to connect international entrepreneurs with Canadian resources, talent, and partnerships. As a designated organization registered with Immigration Canada, Brilliant Catalyst facilitates the journey for forward-thinking innovators who are looking to establish their business in Canada.
The SUV Program begins with a 4-to-6-week virtual mentorship phase, where project teams validate their ideas in the Canadian market and develop their pitch. In Phase 2, entrepreneurs relocate to Canada and build their business with 12 months of Brilliant Catalyst incubation and support. Over 180 start-up teams have come through this program and developed unique new ventures for the Canadian market.
Launching the Next Generation of Forward-Thinkers
Brilliant Catalyst is making the entrepreneurship space accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, educational background, or level of experience. This unique, student-driven space is transforming the business ecosystem in Durham Region and beyond.
Ontario Tech students, alumni, and faculty members interested in Brilliant Catalyst programs and businesses looking to connect with students through the Experience Ventures program can contact brilliant@ontariotechu.ca for more information.
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